Monday, August 3, 2009

Being an Aunt II

Having written here more than a few times about the joy of being an aunt, I was delighted when my Aunt Hilda, who is the spitting image of my dad, sent me a beautiful picture of her and my Buddhist practising cousin, Sibyl, who has spent the last two years teaching in Ghana and before that in Japan and India, with her niece, Ehren. Sibyl is so proud to be an aunt and equally as proud that her very multi-cultural diverse religious experiences have merged in her beautiful niece who is half Jewish and will undoubtedly travel the world as we all have, valuing and respecting diverse cultures. We think Ehren is beautiful. We're glad she's here.

8 comments:

Marion said...

Ehren is gorgeous!! I spent the weekend with two of my nieces and they were so much fun to be with. The 12 year old, Hannah, and I painted each of our toenails a different color. Yes, being an Aunt is amazing and fun! Blessings!

Judith Ellis said...

Marion - I love it! A different color for each toenail? Cool! But I don't think I have that many colors. I have about five. I used to get a pedicure and manicure every week, but gave that up because I got tired of the weekly appointment. It is probably for this same reason that I have never had a fancy hairstyle. I keep my hair in a 'fro, whether in style or not--sometimes longer and sometimes shorter, and do my nails myself. Just yesterday I cut them down because I was tired of them. They were pretty but becoming pretty annoying. What some women will do for beauty, eh? But I must admit to owning more than a few pairs of 3.5 inch heels. And it's not like this 5'10" frame needs them. But, hey, I like them. :-) You have given me a good idea. I will go out and buy at least five more colors so me and my 12 year old niece, Abigal, can do the same! It will be way fun!

Marion said...

It's funny that you mention your heels. I used to wear 3.5 inch heels too, after I hit 40, that is. Previously, I'd worn flats because I'm tall like you, same height, in fact. But I said at 40 that it's now or never. And lordy, did I enjoy stylin' in those shoes. But a few years ago I hurt my back at work and all my pretty shoes are in my closet gathering dust. I don't know if I'll ever be able to wear them again, but I hope. I miss the sassiness they gave me. ;-)

I've never been able to spend money on frivilous things like manicures or pedicures. I think it's from growing up so poor, not to mention it makes me feel guilty, like I'm wasting money. I even began cutting my own hair but my same niece told me, "Aunt Minnie, you sure looked a lot prettier when you wore your hair short." Kids don't lie so I guess I better be chopping up higher over my ears next time I cut my hair. LOL! Oh, y'all will have a blast and you'll be soooo cool for thinking of that fun project! Blessings, Judith.

Judith Ellis said...

We did not have a lot of money growing up either. But my mother was so inventive: going to Grosse Pointe for second hand clothes that were hardly worn--but never second hand shoes, discount clothes at Hudsons, and bulk groceries. We ate a lot of oatmeal for breakfast and baked chicken, fresh veggies, and had a fresh salad with just about every dinner. There were 12 kids to clothe and feed. But we always looked good and we were not hungry. Thank God.

Sorry about your back, Marion. I think I may be wearing heels in my 60's. I have worn them for as long as I can remember. But on most days I am in 1.5 to 2.0 inch heels or flats. It totally depends on what needs to be done on any given day and where I'm going. I always were heels to church. The young people mostly wear jeans. It doesn't matter really. But we couldn't wear them when we were growing up. You wore your Sunday best.

Kids are great, aren't they? Their honesty is so very appreciated. I love it! But, of course, it's all about how you feel. So, it's really up to you, eh? And speaking of feelings, I love how the sassiness of heels make you feel. I love pretty shoes and bags too. But I am NOT a shopper. I go into Macys or Saks and buy a few things at a time and do not spend all day in the mall--few hours MAX. I'm in and out! Regarding splurging, it's OK, every now and then. You deserve it. :-)

Recently, I took my niece, Raven, to Somerset for a summer shopping spree. We spent hours in that mall. (I wore flats!) It was so unlike me, spending such time in the mall. But I loved being with her. We went from store to store and left with about 8 bags. I only insisted on one thing: that she buy one elegant dress. (Well, although she's 19, there were some things that she new my money would not be spent on. I didn't even have to go there.) The elegant dress was the most expensive thing, but boy was it lovely. She wore it for our church anniversary service and she was soooo beautiful in it. I'm proud of her. She'll be a sophomore next year.

septembermom said...

Ehren is beautiful! A lovely photo of your Aunt Hilda, Sibyl and this precious new baby. Many blessings for happiness and love ahead for Ehren:) Judith, such a nice story about your shopping trip with your niece. It must have been fun!

Judith Ellis said...

Kelly - We had a great time together! The following Sunday Raven gave me the most beautiful handwritten note --- what a writer she is! -- and drew the most beautiful pictures on it. The envelope is a keeper too. It really made my day. She's sweet.

My nieces and nephews do not expect anything from me but I am forever full of surprises and, as were we, they do not begrudge when others receive things and they do not. We were taught to celebrate others. They do the same. Thank God.

While some are going through growing pains, they are wonderful young people and I am proud of the way they are being raised. And, of course, they, as well as many others who call me Auntie Judith, can always call on me.

rebecca said...

That little bundle of joy is gorgeous! We are also pretty multicultural in our family and know the blessings that comes from that. You have such a lovely family, Judith. Blessings to you and yours...

Judith Ellis said...

Thanks, Rebecca. I love them. The same I with for you and yours. What's funny about multi-cultural families aside from the differences in cultures is the difference in skin tones. I have nieces and cousins who are half Jewish, white Canadian, and Pakistani. They range in skin tone.

My maternal great grandfather was Jewish and my mom's sisters ranged from light to dark, as do my siblings. We have the same mom and dad. So....MJ's childrens may indeed be his. (I really don't care. He loved them and they were his.) One of my nieces has blonde hair and blue eyes. Her father is black.